Game board and game apparatus including same

ABSTRACT

A game apparatus includes a first total number of playing-pieces and an article of manufacture including: a grid structure which is sufficiently flexible so as to be substantially conformable to a surface of a substrate on which the grid structure is disposable; apertures in the grid structure exposing corresponding portions of the surface of the substrate on which the grid structure is disposable; areas of the apertures being sized to accommodate corresponding playing-pieces of a game; and a second total number of the apertures being sufficient to accommodate the first total number of the playing-pieces.

PRIORITY

The present application claims priority upon U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/874,382, filed Jul. 15, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A board game is any game played by placing and/or moving markers or pieces on a marked board or other demarcated solid surface (“game-board”). Some game-boards are flexible so as to conform to an underlying substrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

FIGS. 1A, 1B and IC are corresponding plan views of corresponding articles of manufacture, in accordance with corresponding embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a game apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3B are sectional views corresponding to FIG. 2, in accordance with corresponding embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4F are three-dimensional perspective views of corresponding playing-pieces, in accordance with corresponding embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5-10 are corresponding perspective views of a game apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, or the like, are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Other components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, or the like, are contemplated. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

In some embodiments, a game apparatus includes a first total number of playing-pieces and an article of manufacture including: a grid structure which is sufficiently flexible so as to be substantially conformable to a surface of a substrate on which the grid structure is disposable; apertures in the grid structure exposing corresponding portions of the surface of the substrate on which the grid structure is disposable; areas of the apertures being sized to accommodate corresponding playing-pieces of a game; and a second total number of the apertures being sufficient to accommodate the first total number of the playing-pieces. In some embodiments, the game corresponding to the game apparatus is a version of SUDOKU, the latter being a number placement puzzle involving numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. In some embodiments, the game apparatus is a version of the number placement puzzle SUDOKU in which numerals 1 through 9 are represented by corresponding different colors of the playing-pieces. In some embodiments, game apparatus is a version of the number placement puzzle SUDOKU in which numerals 1 through 9 are not displayed literally on the playing-pieces but instead are represented by corresponding different colors of the playing-pieces.

FIG. 1A is a plan view of an article of manufacture, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

More particularly, FIG. 1A shows a grid structure 100A whose construction is sufficiently flexible so as to be substantially conformable to a surface of a substrate on which grid structure 100A is disposable (see FIGS. 3A-3B). In some embodiments, grid structure 100A is a game board.

Apertures 110 expose corresponding portions of the surface of the substrate (see FIGS. 3A-3B) on which grid structure 100A is disposed. Areas of apertures 110 are sized to accommodate corresponding playing-pieces (see FIGS. 2, 3A-3B and 4A-4E) of the corresponding game. A first total number of apertures 110 is sufficient to accommodate a second total number of the playing-pieces.

Grid structure 100A includes lines 102(1), 102(2), 102(3), 102(4), 102(5), 102(6), 102(7), 102(8), 104A(1) and 104A(2) extending in a first direction, which is substantially parallel to the X-axis in FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, the first direction is a direction other than substantially parallel to the X-axis. Grid structure 100A further includes lines 106(1), 106(2), 106(3), 106(4), 106(5), 106(6), 106(7), 106(8), 108A(1) and 108A(2) extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. In FIG. 1A, the second direction is substantially parallel to the Y-axis. In some embodiments, the second direction is a direction other than other than substantially parallel to the Y-axis.

Lines 102(1), 102(2), 102(3), 102(4), 102(5), 102(6), 102(7), 102(8), 104A(1) and 104A(2) intersect with corresponding ones of lines 106(1), 106(2), 106(3), 106(4), 106(5), 106(6), 106(7), 106(8), 108A(1) and 108A(2) to define a first array of apertures 110 in grid structure 100A. In FIG. 1A, the first array is a 9×9 array such that there are 81 apertures 110 in grid structure 100A. In some embodiments, the first array is an array other than a 9×9 array.

Lines 102(1)-102(7) have a different appearance than lines 104A(1-104A(2). Lines 106(1)-106(8) have a different appearance than lines 108A(1)-108A(2). In some embodiments, lines 104A(1)-104A(2) have a different color than lines 102(1)-102(8) and accordingly appear different therefrom. In some embodiments, lines 108A(1)-108A(2) have a different color than lines 106(1)-106(8) and accordingly appear different therefrom. A visual effect of the different appearance of the various lines is to define a second array of sub-arrays. In FIG. 1A, the second array is a 3×3 array of sub-arrays, where each of the sub-arrays is a 3×3 array of apertures 110; as such, there are 9 apertures 110 in each of the sub-arrays.

In some embodiments, lines 104A(1)-104A(2) and 108A(1)-108A(2) have the same first color, and lines 102(1)-102(8) and 106(1)-106(8) have the same second color, where the second color is different than the first color.

In some embodiments, grid structure 100A is an assembly. In some embodiments, lines 102(1)-102(8), 104A(1)-104A(2), 106(1)-106(8) and 108A(1)-108A(2) are formed of pieces of webbing, e.g., polymer webbing such as nylon webbing or polyester webbing. In some embodiments, lines 102(1)-102(8), 104A(1)-104A(2), 106(1)-106(8) and 108A(1)-108A(2) are formed of pieces of rope, e.g., polymer rope such as nylon rope or polyester rope.

In some embodiments, grid structure 100A is an integral structure. In some embodiments, grid structure 100A is an injection molding of a polymer. In some embodiments, grid structure 100A is a stamping.

In some embodiments, lines 102(1), 102(8), 106(1) and 106(8) are relatively longer so as to provide tails to facilitate staking grid structure 100A to the substrate (see FIGS. 3A-3B) on which grid structure 100A is disposed. In some embodiments, the tails are formed into loops (see FIG. 5).

FIG. 1B is a plan view of an article of manufacture, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

More particularly, FIG. 1B shows a grid structure 100B whose construction is sufficiently flexible so as to be substantially conformable to a surface of a substrate on which grid structure 100B is disposable (see FIGS. 3A-3B). In some embodiments, grid structure 100B is a game board.

Grid structure 100B of FIG. 1B is similar to grid structure 100A of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1B follows a similar numbering convention to that of FIG. 1A. Though corresponding, some components also differ. To help identify components which correspond but nevertheless have differences, the numbering convention uses alphabetic characters. For example, line 104B(1) of FIG. 1B corresponds to line 104A(1) of FIG. 1A, with the similarities being reflected in the common root number 104_(1), and the differences being reflected in the corresponding alphabetic characters ___B(_) and ___A(_), namely 104B(1) for FIG. 1B and 104A(1) for FIG. 1A. For brevity, the discussion will focus more on differences between FIG. 1B and FIG. 1A than on similarities.

Lines 102(1)-102(8) have a different appearance than lines 104B(1-104B(2). Lines 106(1)-106(8) have a different appearance than lines 108B(1)-108B(2). In some embodiments, relative to Y-axis, lines 104B(1)-104B(2) have a different width than lines 102(1)-102(8) and accordingly appear different therefrom. In some embodiments, relative to the X-axis, lines 108B(1)-108B(2) have a different width than lines 106(1)-106(8) and accordingly appear different therefrom. In some embodiments, lines 104B(1)-104B(2) and 108B(1)-108B(2) have the same first width, and lines 102(1)-102(8) and 106(1)-106(8) have the same second width, where the second width is different than the first width.

FIG. 1C is a plan view of an article of manufacture, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

More particularly, FIG. 1C shows a grid structure 100C whose construction is sufficiently flexible so as to be substantially conformable to a surface of a substrate on which grid structure 100C is disposable (see FIGS. 3A-3B). In some embodiments, grid structure 100C is a game board.

Grid structure 100C of FIG. 1C is similar to grid structure 100A of FIG. 1A and grid structure 100B of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1C follows a similar numbering convention to that of FIGS. 1A-1B. Though corresponding, some components also differ. To help identify components which correspond but nevertheless have differences, the numbering convention uses alphabetic characters. For example, line 104C(1) of FIG. 1C corresponds to line 104A(1) of FIG. 1A and line 104B(1) of FIG. 1B, with the similarities being reflected in the common root number 104_(1), and the differences being reflected in the corresponding alphabetic characters ___C(_) and ___A_((_)) and __B(_), namely 104C(1) for FIG. 1C, 104C(1) for FIG. 1A and 104B(1) for FIG. 1B. For brevity, the discussion will focus more on differences between FIG. 1C and FIGS. 1A-1B than on similarities.

Lines 102(1)-102(8) have a different appearance than lines 104B(1-104B(2). Lines 106(1)-106(8) have a different appearance than lines 108B(1)-108B(2). In some embodiments, relative to Y-axis, lines 104B(1)-104B(2) have a different color and a different width than lines 102(1)-102(8) and accordingly appear different therefrom. In some embodiments, relative to the X-axis, lines 108B(1)-108B(2) have a different color and a different width than lines 106(1)-106(8) and accordingly appear different therefrom.

In some embodiments, lines 104B(1)-104B(2) and 108B(1)-108B(2) have the same first color and the same first width, and lines 102(1)-102(8) and 106(1)-106(8) have the same second color and the same second width, where the second color is different than the first color, and the second width is different than the first width.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a game apparatus 201, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Game apparatus 201 includes grid structure 100C of FIG. 1C and playing-pieces 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234 and 236. In FIG. 2, grid structure 100C represents a game board.

In the plan view of FIG. 2, each of playing-pieces 220-236 is an annulus. In some embodiments, each of playing-pieces 220-236 is a hollow conical frustum (see FIGS. 3A-3B and 4A. In some embodiments, each of each of playing-pieces 220-236 is a three-dimensional shape other than a hollow conical frustum (e.g., see FIGS. 4B-4F).

The area of each aperture 110 is sized to accommodate one of playing-pieces 220-236. In some embodiments, each of playing-pieces 220-236 has a footprint (see FIGS. 3A-3B) which represents an area smaller than an area of aperture 110. In some embodiments, the footprint of each of playing-pieces 220-236 is about 78% of the area of aperture 110.

In some embodiments, the game corresponding to game apparatus 201 is a number placement puzzle. In some embodiments, the game corresponding to game apparatus 201 is based on Latin squares.

In some embodiments, the game corresponding to game apparatus 201 is a version of the number placement puzzle SUDOKU for which the total number of the playing-pieces is 81. In some embodiments, game apparatus 201 is a version of the number placement puzzle SUDOKU in which numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are represented by corresponding different colors of the playing-pieces. In some embodiments, game apparatus 201 is a version of the number placement puzzle SUDOKU in which numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are not displayed literally on the playing-pieces but instead are represented by corresponding different colors of the playing-pieces. In some embodiments, the game corresponding to game apparatus 201 is a version of Colorku™ for which the total number of the playing-pieces is 81.

However, for simplicity of illustration, FIG. 2 shows nine playing-pieces 220-236. Sudoku involves the placement of numerals 1 through 9, where the playing-pieces are organized as nine sets, each set including a corresponding nine of ones of the playing-pieces, e.g., nine instances of playing-pieces representing number one, nine-instances of playing-pieces representing number two, . . . , nine instances of playing-pieces representing number eight, and nine instances of playing-pieces representing number nine. The nine sets represent correspondingly the numerals 1 through 9 of the number placement puzzle SUDOKU.

In game apparatus 201, each of playing-pieces 220-236 is representative of a corresponding set of nine-playing pieces. Each of playing-pieces 220-236 has a correspondingly different appearance, which is representative of each of the nine sets of playing-pieces having a correspondingly different appearance.

Each playing-piece in the set for which playing-piece 220 is a representative has the same appearance as playing-piece 220; each playing-piece in the set for which playing-piece 222 is a representative has the same appearance as playing-piece 222; . . . each playing-piece in the set for which playing-piece 234 is a representative has the same appearance as playing-piece 234; and each playing-piece in the set for which playing-piece 236 is a representative has the same appearance as playing-piece 236. Accordingly, each of the nine ones of the playing-pieces in each set has substantially the same appearance.

In some embodiments, the game corresponding to game apparatus 201 is a version of KenKen™. In some embodiments, the game corresponding to game apparatus 201 is a version of killer SUDOKU, the latter being a number placement puzzle. In some embodiments, the game corresponding to game apparatus 201 is a version of kakuro.

In some embodiments, the game corresponding to game apparatus 201 is a strategy type of game. In some embodiments, the game corresponding to game apparatus 201 is chess, or the like, which is based on an 8×8 array such that there are 64 apertures 110 in grid structure 100A. In some embodiments, the game corresponding to game apparatus 201 is checkers/draughts, or the like, which is based on an 8×8 array such that there are 64 apertures 110 in grid structure 100A. In some embodiments, a game board (e.g., grid structure 100A, 100B, 100C, or the like) is adapted from being a 9×9 grid to being an 8×8 grid by disqualifying the extra row and column. In some embodiments, the extra row and extra column of the 9×9 grid are disqualified by being substantially filled. In some embodiments, the extra row and column are filled with a webbing that is temporarily woven into the corresponding game board.

In some embodiments, for a checkers game which uses conical frustums (truncated cones) as playing pieces, a piece is ‘kinged’ in at least the following manners: by inverting the conical frustum to be base-up and point-down; covering up (stacking over) or replacing the piece with a differently colored piece associated with the corresponding player; placing a smaller conical frustum over the given piece (as a symbolic crown); placing an annular piece (e.g., a ring) over the given piece (as a symbolic) which has an aperture diameter sized to bind/sit near the given conical frustum; placing a sphere on the conical frustum which has a diameter slightly larger than narrow end of the given conical frustum; or the like.

In some embodiments, the game corresponding to game apparatus 201 is a version of Alquerque/Qirkat, or the like, in which case the first array is a 5×5 array such that there are 25 apertures 110 in grid structure 100A. In some embodiments, a game board (e.g., grid structure 100A, 100B, 100C, or the like) is adapted from being a 9×9 grid to being an 5×5 grid by disqualifying the extra rows and columns. In some embodiments, four extra rows and four extra columns of the 9×9 grid are disqualified by being substantially filled. In some embodiments, the extra rows and columns are filled with a webbing that is temporarily woven into the corresponding game board.

In some embodiments, the game corresponding to game apparatus 201 is a version of Chinese Checkers (Sternhaima), Abalone, or the like, in which the game board is a version of grid structure 100A, 100B, 100C, or the like. For such a game, rather than being a square, grid structure 100A, 100B, 100C, or the like, is adapted to be a pentagram.

In some embodiments, the game corresponding to game apparatus 201 is a version of tic-tac-toe (naughts and crosses, or Xs and Os) which is based on a 3×3 array. and which uses the second array of grid structure 100A, 100B, 100C, or the like, wherein the second array is a 3×3 array of sub-arrays, each of the sub-arrays being a 3×3 array of apertures 110. When using the 3×3 array of sub-arrays, a player takes possession of a given sub-array by placing a playing-piece in any one of apertures 110 in the given sub-array. In some embodiments, the game corresponding to game apparatus 201 is a version of tic-tac-toe which uses grid structure 100A, 100B, 100C, or the like, with play of a single game being restricted to a given one of the nine 3×3 sub-arrays included in grid structure 100A, 100B, 100C, or the like.

In some embodiments, the game corresponding to game apparatus 201 is a version of the type of Bingo typically played in the United States of America, or the like, which is based on a 5×5 array, and which uses a version of grid structure 100A, 100B, 100C, or the like. In some embodiments, the game Sub-Spec (CLEAN) corresponding to game apparatus 201 is a version of the type of Bingo typically played in the United Kingdom, or the like, which is based on a 9×3 array, and which uses a version of grid structure 100A, 100B, 100C, or the like. In some embodiments, the game corresponding to game apparatus 201 is a version of Scrabble, or the like, which is based on a 15×15 array, and which uses a version of grid structure 100A, 100B, 100C, or the like.

FIGS. 3A-3B are sectional views corresponding to section-lines IIIA-IIIA′ and IIIB-IIIB′ in FIG. 2, in accordance with corresponding embodiments of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 3A, the footprint of playing piece 222 has a diameter 350.

In FIG. 3B, the footprint of playing piece 230 has diameter 350.

FIGS. 4A-4F are three-dimensional perspective views of corresponding playing-pieces, in accordance with corresponding embodiments of the present disclosure.

The playing-pieces of each of FIGS. 4A-4F are examples of playing-pieces 220-236 of FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, one or more of the playing pieces of FIGS. 4A-4F are corresponding injection moldings of a polymer. In some embodiments, the polymer is pliable/flexible. In some embodiments, one or more of the playing pieces of FIGS. 4A-4F are corresponding stampings.

The playing-piece of FIG. 4A is a hollow conical frustum. In some embodiments, the playing-piece of FIG. 4A is referred to as a hollow truncated cone.

The playing-piece of FIG. 4B is a hollow cone. The playing-piece of FIG. 4C is a cuboid (or rectangular solid), e.g., a cube (square solid). The playing-piece of FIG. 4D is a cylinder. The playing-piece of FIG. 4E is a sphere. The playing-piece of FIG. 4F is a toroid. In some embodiments, the playing-piece of FIG. 4E is referred to as a doughnut or solid annulus.

FIGS. 5-10 are corresponding perspective views of a game apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The game apparatus of FIGS. 5-10 is an example of game apparatus 201 of FIG. 2.

The playing-pieces of FIGS. 5-10 are hollow conical frustums corresponding to FIGS. 3A-3B and 4A. In some embodiments, relative to the X-axis or Y-axis (see FIG. 4A), diameter 350 of the playing-piece in FIGS. 5-10 is about 5 inches with a corresponding height along the Z-axis of about 1+ 7/16 inches, and where the width of lines 104B(1)-104B(2) and 108B(1)-108B(2) is about 1.5 inches, and the width of lines 102(1)-102(8) and 106(1)-106(8) is about 1 inch.

In an embodiments, an article of manufacture includes: a grid structure which is sufficiently flexible so as to be substantially conformable to a surface of a substrate on which the grid structure is disposable; apertures in the grid structure exposing corresponding portions of the surface of the substrate on which the grid structure is disposable; areas of the apertures being sized to accommodate corresponding playing-pieces of a game; and a first total number of the apertures being sufficient to accommodate a second total number of the playing-pieces.

In an embodiment, the grid structure includes: first lines extending in a first direction; and second lines extending in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; the first lines intersecting with corresponding ones of the second lines to define an array of apertures in the grid structure; the first lines are classifiable correspondingly as being either alpha (alpha first line) or beta (beta first line), there being at least one alpha first line and at least one beta first line; the second lines are classifiable correspondingly as being either alpha (alpha second line) or beta (beta second line), there being at least one alpha second line and at least one beta second line; the at least one alpha first line has a different appearance with respect to the at least one beta first line so as to define at least two instances of a first type of subarray within the array of the grid structure; and the at least one alpha second line has a different appearance with respect to the at least one beta second line so as to define at least two instances of a second type of subarray within the array of the grid structure. In an embodiment, the array is an N×N array, N being a positive integer; there are two alpha first lines which are internal to the N×N array (internal alpha first lines); there are two alpha second lines which are internal to the N×N array (internal alpha second lines); and the two internal alpha first lines intersecting with corresponding ones of the two internal alpha second lines to define N×N instances of a third type of subarray. In an embodiment, N=9. In an embodiment, the third type of subarray is an M×M subarray, M being a positive integer. In an embodiment, N=9; and M=9. In an embodiment, the array has first, second, third and fourth borders; there are an additional two alpha first lines which are substantially aligned correspondingly as the first and third borders; and there are an additional two alpha second lines which are substantially aligned correspondingly as the second and fourth borders.

In an embodiment, at least one of the following is true: each of the at least one alpha first line has a color which is different than a color of each of the at least one beta first line; or each of the at least one alpha second line has a color which is different than a color of each of the at least one beta second line. In an embodiment, the color of each of the at least one alpha first line is the same as the color of each of the at least one alpha second line; and the color of each of the at least one beta first line is the same as the color of each of the at least one beta second line. In an embodiment, at least one of the following is true: relative to the second direction, each of the at least one alpha first line has a size which is different than a size of each of the at least one beta first line; or relative to the second direction, each of the at least one alpha second line has a size which is different than a size of each of the at least one beta second line. In an embodiment, the size of each of the at least one alpha first line is the same as the size of each of the at least one alpha second line; and the size of each of the at least one beta first line is the same as the size of each of the at least one beta second line.

In an embodiment, the grid structure includes: first lines extending in a first direction; and second lines extending in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; the first lines intersecting with corresponding ones of the second lines to define an array of apertures in the grid structure; at least two of the first lines are discrete pieces of material; at least two of the second lines are discrete pieces of material; and at each one of the intersections, one of the first lines is affixed to a corresponding one of the second lines. In an embodiment, the grid structure includes: first lines extending in a first direction; and second lines extending in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; the first lines intersecting with corresponding ones of the second lines to define an array of apertures in the grid structure; and the grid structure is of integral construction. In an embodiment, the grid structure includes: first lines extending in a first direction; and second lines extending in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction. In an embodiment, the first lines intersecting with corresponding ones of the second lines to define an array of apertures in the grid structure; and each of the first lines and each of the second lines includes a webbing material. In an embodiment, the first total number of the apertures is based on the second total number of the playing-pieces. In an embodiment, at least one of the following is true: the first total number of the apertures is a positive integer multiple of the second total number of the playing-pieces; or the second total number of the playing-pieces is a positive integer multiple of the first total number of the apertures. In an embodiment, the first total number of the apertures is equal to a square of the second total number of the playing-pieces. In an embodiment, each of the apertures is substantially square; and each of the playing-pieces has a footprint which is substantially circular. In an embodiment, each aperture has a substantially same first area; the footprint of each of the playing pierces has a substantially same second area; and the second area is less than or approximately equal to the first area. In an embodiment, the second area is less than or equal to about 78% of the first area. In an embodiment, each playing piece is a hollow cone. In an embodiment, each playing piece is a hollow conical frustum. In an embodiment, the game is a number placement puzzle. In an embodiment, the game is based on Latin squares. In an embodiment, the game is a version of the number placement puzzle SUDOKU; the number placement puzzle SUDOKU involves numerals 1 through 9; the first total number of the playing-pieces is 81; the playing-pieces are organized as nine sets, each set including a corresponding nine of ones of the playing-pieces; each of the nine sets has a correspondingly different appearance; each of the nine of ones of the playing-pieces in each set has substantially the same appearance; and the nine sets represent correspondingly the numerals 1 through 9 of the number placement puzzle SUDOKU. In an embodiment, the game is a strategy type of game. In an embodiment, the game is chess or checkers.

In an embodiment, a game apparatus includes: a first total number of playing-pieces; and an article of manufacture including: a grid structure which is sufficiently flexible so as to be substantially conformable to a surface of a substrate on which the grid structure is disposable; apertures in the grid structure exposing corresponding portions of the surface of the substrate on which the grid structure is disposable; areas of the apertures being sized to accommodate corresponding playing-pieces of a game; and a second total number of the apertures being sufficient to accommodate the first total number of the playing-pieces.

In an embodiment, the grid structure includes: first lines extending in a first direction; and second lines extending in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; the first lines intersecting with Sub-Spec (CLEAN) corresponding ones of the second lines to define an array of apertures in the grid structure; the first lines are classifiable correspondingly as being either alpha (alpha first line) or beta (beta first line), there being at least one alpha first line and at least one beta first line; the second lines are classifiable correspondingly as being either alpha (alpha second line) or beta (beta second line), there being at least one alpha second line and at least one beta second line; the at least one alpha first line has a different appearance with respect to the at least one beta first line so as to define at least two instances of a first type of subarray within the array of the grid structure; and the at least one alpha second line has a different appearance with respect to the at least one beta second line so as to define at least two instances of a second type of subarray within the array of the grid structure. In an embodiment, the array is an N×N array, N being a positive integer; there are two alpha first lines which are internal to the N×N array (internal alpha first lines); there are two alpha second lines which are internal to the N×N array (internal alpha second lines); and the two internal alpha first lines intersecting with corresponding ones of the two internal alpha second lines to define N×N instances of a third type of subarray. In an embodiment, N=9. In an embodiment, the third type of subarray is an M×M subarray, M being a positive integer. In an embodiment, N=9; and M=9. In an embodiment, the array has first, second, third and fourth borders; there are an additional two alpha first lines which are substantially aligned correspondingly as the first and third borders; and there are an additional two alpha second lines which are substantially aligned correspondingly as the second and fourth borders.

In an embodiment, at least one of the following is true: each of the at least one alpha first line has a color which is different than a color of each of the at least one beta first line; or each of the at least one alpha second line has a color which is different than a color of each of the at least one beta second line. In an embodiment, the color of each of the at least one alpha first line is the same as the color of each of the at least one alpha second line; and the color of each of the at least one beta first line is the same as the color of each of the at least one beta second line. In an embodiment, at least one of the following is true: relative to the second direction, each of the at least one alpha first line has a size which is different than a size of each of the at least one beta first line; or relative to the second direction, each of the at least one alpha second line has a size which is different than a size of each of the at least one beta second line. In an embodiment, the size of each of the at least one alpha first line is the same as the size of each of the at least one alpha second line; and the size of each of the at least one beta first line is the same as the size of each of the at least one beta second line.

In an embodiment, the grid structure includes: first lines extending in a first direction; and second lines extending in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; the first lines intersecting with corresponding ones of the second lines to define an array of apertures in the grid structure; at least two of the first lines are discrete pieces of material; at least two of the second lines are discrete pieces of material; and at each one of the intersections, one of the first lines is affixed to a corresponding one of the second lines. In an embodiment, the grid structure includes: first lines extending in a first direction; and second lines extending in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; the first lines intersecting with corresponding ones of the second lines to define an array of apertures in the grid structure; and the grid structure is of integral construction. In an embodiment, the grid structure includes: first lines extending in a first direction; and second lines extending in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; the first lines intersecting with corresponding ones of the second lines to define an array of apertures in the grid structure; and each of the first lines and each of the second lines includes a webbing material. In an embodiment, the second total number of the apertures is based on the first total number of the playing-pieces.

In an embodiment, at least one of the following is true: the second total number of the apertures is a positive integer multiple of the first total number of the playing-pieces; or the first total number of the playing-pieces is a positive integer multiple of the second total number of the apertures. In an embodiment, the second total number of the apertures is equal to a square of the first total number of the playing-pieces. In an embodiment, each of the apertures is substantially square; and each playing piece is a hollow conical frustum and correspondingly has a footprint which is substantially circular. In an embodiment, each aperture has a substantially same first area; the footprint of each of the playing pierces has a substantially same second area; and the second area is less than or approximately equal to the first area. In an embodiment, the second area is less than or equal to about 78% of the first area. In an embodiment, the game is a number placement puzzle. In an embodiment, the game is based on Latin squares. In an embodiment, the game is a version of the number placement puzzle SUDOKU; the number placement puzzle SUDOKU involves numerals 1 through 9; the second total number of the playing-pieces is 81; the playing-pieces are organized as nine sets, each set including a corresponding nine of ones of the playing-pieces; each of the nine sets has a correspondingly different appearance; each of the nine of ones of the playing-pieces in each set has substantially the same appearance; and the nine sets represent correspondingly the numerals 1 through 9 of the number placement puzzle SUDOKU. In an embodiment, each of the nine sets has a correspondingly different color; each of the nine of ones of the playing-pieces in each set has substantially the same color. In an embodiment, the game is a strategy type of game. In an embodiment, the game is chess or checkers.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for playing a game which is a version of the number placement puzzle SUDOKU, the game involving numerals 1 through 9, the apparatus including: playing-pieces, a first total number of the playing-pieces being 81; the playing-pieces being organized as nine sets, each set including a corresponding nine of ones of the playing-pieces; each of the nine sets having a correspondingly different appearance; each of the nine of ones of the playing-pieces in each set having substantially the same appearance; and the nine sets representing correspondingly the numerals 1 through 9 of the game; and an article of manufacture including: a grid structure which is sufficiently flexible so as to be substantially conformable to a surface of a substrate on which the grid structure is disposable; apertures in the grid structure exposing corresponding portions of the surface of the substrate on which the grid structure is disposable; areas of the apertures being sized to accommodate corresponding playing-pieces of a game; and a second total number of the apertures being sufficient to accommodate the first total number of the playing-pieces. In an embodiment, each playing piece is a hollow conical frustum.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 

1. An apparatus for playing a game comprising: a grid structure which is sufficiently flexible so as to be substantially conformable to a surface of a substrate on which the grid structure is disposable; apertures in the grid structure exposing corresponding portions of the surface of the substrate on which the grid structure is disposable; areas of the apertures being sized to accommodate corresponding playing-pieces of a game; a first total number of the apertures being sufficient to accommodate a second total number of the playing-pieces, each the playing pieces being a hollow conical frustum.
 2. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the grid structure includes: first lines extending in a first direction; and second lines extending in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; the first lines intersecting with corresponding ones of the second lines to define an array of apertures in the grid structure; corresponding ones of the first lines are either alpha first lines or beta first lines, there being at least one alpha first line and at least one beta first line; corresponding ones of the second lines are either alpha second lines or beta second lines, there being at least one alpha second line and at least one beta second line; the at least one alpha first line has a different appearance with respect to the at least one beta first line so as to define at least two instances of a first type of subarray within the array of the grid structure; and the at least one alpha second line has a different appearance with respect to the at least one beta second line so as to define at least two instances of a second type of subarray within the array of the grid structure.
 3. The game apparatus of claim 2, wherein: the array is an N×N array, N being a positive integer; there are two alpha first lines which are internal to the N×N array (internal alpha first lines); there are two alpha second lines which are internal to the N×N array (internal alpha second lines); and the two internal alpha first lines intersecting with corresponding ones of the two internal alpha second lines to define N×N instances of a third type of subarray.
 4. The game apparatus of claim 2, wherein: the array has first, second, third and fourth borders; there are an additional two alpha first lines which are substantially aligned correspondingly as the first and third borders; and there are an additional two alpha second lines which are substantially aligned correspondingly as the second and fourth borders.
 5. (canceled)
 6. The game apparatus of claim 2, wherein: relative to the second direction, each of the at least one alpha first line has a size which is different than a size of each of the at least one beta first line; or relative to the second direction, each of the at least one alpha second line has a size which is different than a size of each of the at least one beta second line.
 7. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the first total number of the apertures is a positive integer multiple of the second total number of the playing-pieces; or the second total number of the playing-pieces is a positive integer multiple of the first total number of the apertures.
 8. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein: each of the apertures is substantially square; and each of the playing-pieces has a footprint which is substantially circular.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the game is based on a number placement puzzle SUDOKU; the number placement puzzle SUDOKU involves numerals 1 through 9; and the game is a version of the number placement puzzle SUDOKU in which: the first total number of the playing-pieces is 81; the playing-pieces are organized as nine sets, each set including a corresponding nine of ones of the playing-pieces; each of the nine sets has a correspondingly different appearance; each of the nine of ones of the playing-pieces in each set has substantially the same appearance; and the nine sets represent correspondingly the numerals 1 through 9 of the number placement puzzle SUDOKU.
 11. A game apparatus comprising: a first total number of playing-pieces; and an article of manufacture including: a grid structure which is sufficiently flexible so as to be substantially conformable to a surface of a substrate on which the grid structure is disposable; apertures in the grid structure exposing corresponding portions of the surface of the substrate on which the grid structure is disposable; areas of the apertures being sized to accommodate corresponding playing-pieces of a game; and a second total number of the apertures being sufficient to accommodate the first total number of the playing-pieces, each the playing pieces being a hollow conical frustum.
 12. The game apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the grid structure includes: first lines extending in a first direction; and second lines extending in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; the first lines intersecting with corresponding ones of the second lines to define an array of apertures in the grid structure; corresponding ones of the first lines are either alpha first lines or beta first lines, there being at least one alpha first line and at least one beta first line; corresponding ones of the second lines are either alpha second lines or beta second lines, there being at least one alpha second line and at least one beta second line; the at least one alpha first line has a different appearance with respect to the at least one beta first line so as to define at least two instances of a first type of subarray within the array of the grid structure; and the at least one alpha second line has a different appearance with respect to the at least one beta second line so as to define at least two instances of a second type of subarray within the array of the grid structure.
 13. (canceled)
 14. The game apparatus of claim 12, wherein: relative to the second direction, each of the at least one alpha first line has a size which is different than a size of each of the at least one beta first line; or relative to the second direction, each of the at least one alpha second line has a size which is different than a size of each of the at least one beta second line.
 15. The game apparatus of claim 11, wherein: each of the apertures is substantially square; and each playing piece has a footprint which is substantially circular.
 16. The game apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the game is based on a number placement puzzle SUDOKU; the number placement puzzle SUDOKU involves numerals 1 through 9; and the game is a version of the number placement puzzle SUDOKU in which: the second total number of the playing-pieces is 81; the playing-pieces are organized as nine sets, each set including a corresponding nine of ones of the playing-pieces; each of the nine sets has a correspondingly different appearance; each of the nine of ones of the playing-pieces in each set has substantially the same appearance; and the nine sets represent correspondingly the numerals 1 through 9 of the number placement puzzle SUDOKU.
 17. The game apparatus of claim 11, wherein: each of the nine sets has a correspondingly different color; each of the nine of ones of the playing-pieces in each set has substantially the same color.
 18. The game apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the game is chess or checkers.
 19. An apparatus for playing a game which is a version of a number placement puzzle SUDOKU, the game involving numerals 1 through 9, the apparatus comprising: playing-pieces, a first total number of the playing-pieces being 81; each playing piece is a hollow conical frustum; the playing-pieces being organized as nine sets, each set including a corresponding nine of ones of the playing-pieces; each of the nine sets having a correspondingly different appearance; each of the nine of ones of the playing-pieces in each set having substantially the same appearance; and the nine sets representing correspondingly the numerals 1 through 9 of the game; and an article of manufacture including: a grid structure which is sufficiently flexible so as to be substantially conformable to a surface of a substrate on which the grid structure is disposable; apertures in the grid structure exposing corresponding portions of the surface of the substrate on which the grid structure is disposable; areas of the apertures being sized to accommodate corresponding playing-pieces of a game; and a second total number of the apertures being sufficient to accommodate the first total number of the playing-pieces.
 20. (canceled)
 21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein: the first total number of the playing-pieces is a positive integer multiple of the second total number of the apertures.
 22. The game apparatus of claim 10, wherein: each of the nine sets has a correspondingly different color.
 23. The game apparatus of claim 16, wherein: each of the nine sets has a correspondingly different color.
 24. The game apparatus of claim 19, wherein: each of the nine sets has a correspondingly different color. 